Henry Arthur McGinley

Henry Arthur McGinley was born to Charley and Florence McGinley in the Hugginville area of Gentry County on Nov. 23, 1902.

The eldest son presented this young man an aura of responsibility to help his family. During his teenage years Henry worked at mechanical repair work.

The spirit of adventure bit the amorous young man and his first adventure was in Colorado. He hired on a roundup crew of a large cattle ranch and while riding one day his horse fell in a hole, leaving Henry with a broken shoulder. A trip home to Missouri seemed imperative for recuperation. This did not break his spirit however, as soon as Henry was able to work he was off with a harvesting crew to work in Kansas and follow the wheat harvest.

His next stopping place was Fonda, Iowa. There he worked as a hired hand and later started a mechanic shop. While in Iowa he met an attractive young lady named Leona Dirks. After courtship, Henry took Leona home to Missouri. They were married in Bethany, Missouri on June 26, 1939,

The newly weds decided to return to Iowa and farm. During the next 3-year period, the couple was blessed with 2 children, Bertha Irene and Donald Ivan.

Henry's love for Missouri countryside persuaded a return to his home state. The family of four moved to a farm that Henry had purchased West of Darlington, At this farm the family grew from four to eight with the birth of Jerry Arthur, Henry Eugene, Lela Ann, and Johnny Richard, born within a span of fourteen years. It was on what farm and surrounding areas that the children grew and found their spouses. . Though out the years Henry and Leona were able to witness the birth of 13 grandchildren of which 12 are living.

Henry witnessed and was part of many experiences with his many fiends and acquaintances from the Darlington, area. The people who knew Henry always spoke of the man in a positive way. Henry was always ready when a helping hand was needed. Times were hard, but many a happy and cherished memory was shared.

Henry suffered his first stroke in 1966 with several more to follow. In 1970, a major stroke caused him to become an invalid, confined to a wheelchair and bedfast since that time. He had spent many agonizing and painful days and often asked for the Lord to take him home. He had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and thus he never doubted his destination at death

Henry was a loving and devoted husband, father and Granddad until the day of his death, and even in his painful condition was yet ever concerned about each one of his family members, and asking always if each one was provided for. His death came suddenly on Sunday morning Jan, 18, at the age of 70 years, I month and 26 days.

Preceding him in death were his parents, I brother (William): two sisters (Della Irene and Stelta Besinger) and one grandchild (Charles Eugene McGinley, son of Henry and Mary).

Those who survive him include his wife: Leona Marcella of the home. four Sons: Donald, Jerry, Eugene and J.R.: all of Darlington, MO. Two daughters: Mrs. Bertha Sowards of Springfield, Mo. And Mrs. Lela Ann Whitmore of Chillicothe, Mo. and 12-grandchildren. Two brothers: Robert McGinley of Albany and Maurice McGinley of Darlington, five sisters: Mrs.

Myrtal Mercer and Mrs. Mabel Waltermath of Stanberry, Mo., Mrs. May Petty, State of Calif., Mrs. Ruby Ellis of King City, Mo., and Mrs.Gertrude Clevenger of Albany. Many nieces. nephews and friends.

As family and fiends recall Henry it brings to mind many cherished loving and happy memories